The Archbishop of the Church of Uganda, The Most Rev. Dr. Stephen Samuel Kaziimba Mugalu, has expressed his sorrow over the passing of Pope Francis.
Pope Francis, the beloved spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, passed away yesterday at the age of 88 at his residence in Vatican City. According to the Vatican, the Pope died of a stroke and heart failure.
“I extend our condolences to all Ugandan Roman Catholics and believers around the world who are grieving the death of Pope Francis,” Archbishop Kaziimba said.
The Archbishop noted that as the Church prepares for the celebration of the Ugandan Martyrs, it especially remembers the Pope’s historic visit to Uganda in 2015 and his appreciation for the Uganda Martyrs Museum at the Anglican site in Namugongo.
During his visit, Pope Francis unveiled a dedication stone and offered a prayer that the Uganda Martyrs would continue to inspire generations of youth to follow Christ.
Archbishop Kaziimba praised the Pope’s unwavering dedication to young people, his strong pro-life stance, and his passionate advocacy for the poor and oppressed. “These values will be sorely missed in a world that so desperately needs them,” he said.
“He fought the good fight; he finished the race; he kept the faith. Now he, who longed for our Lord’s appearing, receives the crown of righteousness,” Archbishop Kaziimba concluded.
